Check it out first vs Review

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Check it out first

InformalTop 3,000 (common)

Review

Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Most formal: ReviewMost common: Review
 Check it out firstReview
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //tʃɛk ɪt aʊt fɜːst//🇺🇸 //tʃɛk ɪt aʊt fɜrst//🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈvjuː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈvjuː/"]/
MeaningLook at or examine something before deciding.To look at something again to check or evaluate it.
ExampleBefore you buy that phone, you should check it out first.I wrote a review of the new restaurant that just opened.
RegisterInformalNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-A2
Part of speechnoun
Collocationscheck out a website, check out something new, check out the menuenthusiastic, excellent, favourable/​favorable, do, write, give something, appear, copy, article, do, class, session, materials, review for, careful, complete, comprehensive, ask for, call for, seek, take place, cover something, deal with something, board, body, committee, under review, up for review, review by
Antonyms-ignore, overlook
Common mistakesUsing in overly formal contexts., Confusing with 'check it' which lacks the meaning of examining., Omitting 'it' can make the phrase unclear.Using 'review' as a noun and verb without context (needs clear subject or object)., Confusing 'review' with 'revise' (review is for checking, revise is for changing)., Saying 'make a review' instead of 'write a review.'
Usage notesCommonly used in casual conversations among friends or peers. Avoid in formal settings.Use 'review' in both formal and informal contexts, like schoolwork or feedback on a product. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless discussing specific topics.

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Check it out first
Review

Frequently asked questions: Check it out first vs Review

What's the difference between Check it out first and Review?

Check it out first: Look at or examine something before deciding. Review: To look at something again to check or evaluate it.

Which is more formal: Check it out first and Review?

Review is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Check it out first and Review?

Review is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Check it out first: Before you buy that phone, you should check it out first. Review: I wrote a review of the new restaurant that just opened.

Can I use Check it out first and Review interchangeably?

Not always. Check it out first and Review are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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